Remote garage door monitoring system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and methods for implementing a garage door monitoring system coupled to a garage door opener. The door monitoring system allow a user to actuate the door under control via a network connection. In at least one embodiment, the door monitoring system is controlled by a cell phone or networked appliance capable of transmitting information and data via a cellular telephone network. The door monitoring system provides the added advantage of allowing a remote user to view the areas or regions near to the door under control prior to actuating the door. At least one embodiment comprises a method to validate reception of the pictures or video clips of the areas or regions near to the door prior to enabling the system to actuate the door. In another embodiment a pass code is embedded into the pictures or video provided to the remote user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/273,188, filed Nov. 18, 2008 entitled REMOTE GARAGE DOOR MONITORINGSYSTEM, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/051,737, filed Feb. 4, 2005, entitled REMOTE GARAGE DOOR MONITORINGSYSTEM, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This application is also related to International Patent Application No.PCT/US2006/01671, filed Jan. 17, 2006, which is also incorporated hereinby reference.

This application also relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/944,121, filed Nov. 21, 2007 entitled REMOTE GARAGE DOOR MONITORINGSYSTEM, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals have installed garage door openers to implement a safeand convenient means of controlling the opening and closing of anoverhead door without exiting their car.

In addition, garage door servicing companies provide services to monitorgarage doors. In the event of a malfunction or failure, the dispatch ofthe service technicians can be managed with more flexibility on thebasis of an evaluation of the data transmitted.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,238 shows a device and method for the remotediagnosis and/or remote monitoring and/or remote utilization of amicroprocessor controlled door, door system, or garage door systemoperated by an electric motor. The microprocessor control can beconnected with a data transmission device for performance of a remotediagnosis and/or remote monitoring and/or remote utilization of themicroprocessor control. This patent also discloses a data transmissiondevice or modem adapter that can connect the microprocessor control to acellular telephone, whereupon a communication connection with a servicecenter is established and the remote diagnosis and/or remote monitoringand/or remote utilization of the microprocessor control unit isperformed from the service center.

U.S. Patent Publication 2002/0183008 shows a monitor with a sensor toindicate the position of a door coupled to a door opener. The module iscompatible with a wireless communication protocol that operates overboth a long range and short range. In addition, a door position sensorcoupled to the module provides information to the user over a wirelesscommunication channel. In one embodiment, information from theadditional door position sensor is wirelessly transmitted. In anotherembodiment, an audio transducer couples to the module, corresponding tovoice commands to operate the door opener. This publication alsodescribes a system and methods which allows remote control andmanagement of single or multiple door openers using a wired or wirelesscommunication device. The device may be a cellular telephone, a pager, apersonal digital assistant, a computer, or other device thatcommunicates using a network.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0118237 shows a system for detectingobjects, including a digital image device such as a CCD camera tocontrol a defined area for unauthorized intrusion. The digital imagingdevice uses a predetermined pattern positioned across a defined areafrom the device. The processor periodically compares the image stored inthe memory with a digital representation of the predetermined patternand a signal is sent to a control unit when the correlation is missingas a result of the object entry field of vision of the digital imagingdevice and obscuring said predetermined pattern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved garagedoor monitoring system. The door monitoring system herein disclosedadvantageously provides a user the ability to safely actuate garagedoors, doors, windows, sun windows, hatches, gates, and other openingfrom a remote location while viewing both the interior and exterior sideof the door, doorway, entry, entryway, gate, gateway, or portal. Relatedobjects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description.

A first embodiment of the garage door monitoring system advantageouslyallows a user to receive a voice notification message prompting the userto remotely control a garage door opener to actuate a garage door from aremote location. Another embodiment of the system includes a door statussensor having a door open state and a door closed state, a control unitoperably coupled to the door status sensor, wherein the control unitcomprises a timer, a timer alarm period parameter, a control outputcontrolling the garage door opener; an interface operably coupled to anetwork, and a voice message generator providing at least one voicemessage to the user via the network connection when the door statussensor is in the door open state for a time period greater than thetimer alarm period parameter. In some embodiments, the user interface ofthe door monitoring system allows the user to specific different timeralarm periods depending upon the time of day, day of the week, level ofsunlight, and/or vacation or business travel.

Still another embodiment of the garage door monitoring system allow theremotely located user to view regions and areas near to the door undercontrol to minimize the potential for loss or injury. The doormonitoring system includes interior and exterior cameras operablycoupled to a control unit and positioned to view an area near to theinterior and exterior sides of the garage door. The system provides theremote user with at least one picture of the areas near to the interiorand exterior side of the doorway. The user interface allows the user toremotely actuate the garage door using a networked appliance capable ofdisplaying a picture; wherein, a means of providing a safety interlockconfirms the remote device has received at least one picture of the areanear to the interior and exterior sides of the door under control priorto enabling the user to actuate the garage door. Other embodimentsprovide continuously updated pictures.

Another aspect of the door monitoring system includes embodiments havinga system override mechanism, which allows a user to temporarily placethe door monitoring system 20 in a system disable state, which disablesthe notification feature while maintaining access to other control andmonitoring features of the door monitoring system. One aspect of theoverride mechanism is that a user may call or connect via acommunications network to the door monitoring system and remotelyactuate the door under control or obtain various status reports whilethe system override mechanism is asserted. In addition, otherembodiments allow a user to remotely re-enable the door monitoringsystem by turning off the system override mechanism. Another embodimentof the override system includes a feature that re-enables the doormonitoring system's notification function after a maximum period of timepasses. Another aspect of the re-enabling function is some embodimentscomprise a user interface that informs the user that the system is inthe override state. Still other embodiments re-enable the notificationfeature upon detecting a door closure. In additional, other embodimentsinclude methods for enabling the notification feature at a specific timeof day or level of sunlight.

Still another aspect of the door monitoring system is that someembodiments provide a voice based notification message to a user relatedto the door status.

Another embodiment of the system includes a method for providing a userwith a voice notification message that a door is open comprising stepsof detecting the state of the door status sensor, calculating an opendoor time period and sending at least one voice notification message viathe network connection to the message destination.

Some embodiments include the further feature of generating a voicemessage requesting the user provide a password to gain access to thefunctions of the door monitoring system. Still other embodiments includegenerating at least one voice message to permit a user to control theactuation of a garage door. In some embodiments, the door monitoringsystem provides a single picture of the interior and exterior areas. Inother embodiments the door monitoring system continuously updates thepicture or video stream.

Some embodiments of the notification function include as a featureproviding for multiple notification destinations. In at least oneembodiment, the door monitoring system provides a method comprising thesteps of providing a user interface to the user to implement a messagedelivery prioritization scheme which allows the user to specify and rankmessage destinations by specifying at least one prioritizationparameter; wherein, the user identifies the order of the messagesdestinations to which the door monitoring system sends messages. Thesystem then selects the message destinations based upon theprioritization scheme. Thereafter, the door monitoring systemselectively sends messages indicating that the door status sensor is inthe door open state to at least one destination based.

Still other embodiments further include a method of sending a messagereporting that the door status sensor has been in the door open statefor a period of time at least equal to the timer alarm period. Themethod includes sending a report to a first message destination and toat least one alternative message destination. As a feature, someembodiments change the desired or priority of the message destinationbased upon time of day. Other embodiments change the message destinationbased upon day of the week. Still other embodiments adjust the selectionof the message destination based upon a user's travel plans.

The door monitoring system also advantageously provides a number ofreporting functions that are accessible either by a local or remoteuser. In a least one embodiment, the door monitoring system provides anactivity log to a networked appliance to a remotely located user. Theactivity log report may comprise text, graphics, or voice messages.

Yet another advantage of the door monitoring system described herein isthe feature of verifying receipt of pictures by networked appliance usedby the user. Some embodiments include a method comprising the steps ofreceiving a command to actuate a garage door; providing a picture of anarea on the interior side of the garage door and a picture of an area onthe exterior side of the garage door via the network connection to adevice connected to the network, wherein the pictures allow the user todeduce the desirability of actuating the garage door; and receiving amessage verifying that the device connected to the network received thepictures of the interior side and exterior side of the garage door. Inaddition, other embodiments include a further feature of enabling thecontrol unit function to remotely actuate the garage door afterreceiving verification that the pictures of the areas on the interiorand exterior side of the garage door were successfully received.

Still other embodiments require a user to provide a pass code or wordthat was embedded within the pictures or video provided to the userbefore enabling the control unit to execute a remote command to actuatethe door. Still other embodiments of the door monitoring system includeas a feature generating a voice message to prompt confirmation of therequest to actuate the garage door after the control unit function toremotely actuate the garage door is enable, receiving an indicationconfirming the command to actuate a garage door; actuating the garagedoor. And still another aspect of the door monitoring systemadvantageously provides a method of tracking the passage of time afterenabling the control unit function to remotely actuate the garage doorand disabling the control unit function to remotely actuate the garagedoor after the passage of a time out period of time.

Another embodiment of the door monitoring system includes a calldirector used to share a telephone line between the door monitoringsystem and other appliances using the phone line. Still otherembodiments include a caller ID feature wherein the door monitoringsystem screens out calls or network accesses from unauthorized usersbased upon the calling telephone number. In addition, other embodimentsscreen for unauthorized use by comparing the network ID or otheridentifying means to those authorized by the user.

Yet another aspect of the door monitoring system is that someembodiments have the ability to store the video images, sequences, andor pictures associated with the remote commands received by the doormonitoring system. Illustratively, at least one embodiment includes amethod of storing an image from the interior and exterior camerasassociated with the actuation of the door under control to a recordingdevice. In some embodiments the video or picture sequences are initiallyplaced in a circular buffer memory; and only a portion of the picturesin the circular buffer are stored for later recall.

To verify that pictures provided by the door monitoring system werereceived by the user's networked appliance, some embodiments of the doormonitoring system include using a viewable pass code that is integratedinto the provided video or picture; wherein, the user provides the passcode to the door monitoring system to confirm a command to actuate adoor. Other embodiments include a message from a cell phone or similarnetworked appliance or application providing an indication that the userreceived the video or picture sent by the door monitoring system. Yet,other embodiments provide a voice message pass code; wherein, the doormonitoring system generates a voice prompt containing a pass code whichthe user enters to confirm a command to actuate a door. In at least oneembodiment, the door monitoring system includes a voice recognitionsystem for decoding the responses of a user to the user interfaceprompts of the door monitoring system. As an additional safety feature,some embodiments provide a user with a prompt requesting confirmation ofthe command to actuate the door; wherein, the user provides anindication confirming the initial command after the pictures aredownloaded. In addition, still other embodiments include a timeoutfeature, which times out the command function when a confirmation of theinitial command is not timely. This prevents a user from actuating adoor based upon old data.

While embodiments are hereafter illustrated having the above describedfeatures and functions, only one, of such features and functions, orless than all, may be used in a particular door monitoring system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a door monitoringsystem.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a door monitoring systemuseful with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a message transaction diagram for remotelyopening a garage door with a door monitoring system useful with theembodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a message transaction diagram for remotelyclosing a garage door with a door monitoring system useful with theembodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a state diagram for a feature allowing a userto remotely request a report picture status of a garage door from a doormonitoring system, which can be associated with the diagrams shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a state diagram for a feature allowing a userto remotely request a report activity log of a garage door from a doormonitoring system, which can be associated with the diagrams shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is an embodiment of a technique for setting up and configuring adoor monitoring system useful with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of another embodiment of a door monitoring systemthat incorporates a touch pad with a wireless link to an image recorder.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the use of a circular buffer to record asequence of pictures related to the actuation of a door using a doormonitoring system, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a door monitoring system 20advantageously permits a remote user to actuate a garage door whileviewing video of the areas near to the garage door. In addition tocommercial and residential door monitoring applications, it will beappreciated that similar embodiments of the door monitoring system to bedescribed also encompass remote control by users of doors other thangarage doors. Illustrative, the described system also comprises controlof gates, windows, shutters, blinds, draperies, sky lights, pool covers,portals and other similar applications. As such, it will be understoodthat many of the descriptions herein are meant for illustrative purposesof a general safety and security monitoring system and not limited toonly a garage door monitoring system.

In addition, as explained later, door monitoring system 20 also providesthe user with various features including, but not limited to, automaticnotification that the door has been left open and the ability to open orclose the door remotely while viewing the areas near to the interior andexterior side of the door. Other features of door monitoring system 20include the ability to remotely request various reports on the status oractivity of the entryway. Illustratively, some embodiments of the doormonitoring system 20 allow a user to request an activity log thatreports the remote access requests as well as door activities during aspecified period of time. Other requests allow the user to call into thedoor monitoring system for a peace-of-mind check of the status of thedoor, obtaining the current status of the door, such as whether the dooris open or closed. In addition, the remote command operations to bedescribed can allow a user to remotely actuate a door under control toallow access by family member and/or service providers. Still otherembodiments of the reporting mechanisms allow the user to view a videoor picture of the areas near to the interior or exterior of the doorbeing controlled. As discussed later, door monitoring system 20 alsoallows a user to remotely command a door to open or close while storinga video clip of the areas near to the door just prior, during, and afterthe command is executed.

Incorporated into the notification feature of door monitoring system 20is a means for providing a remote user notification that the door isajar via various network interfaces including, but not limited to, atelephone network, cellular telephone network, internet, or by any othernetworking means that would occur to one skilled in the art. An additionfeature of door monitoring system 20 provides for simultaneous use ofdifferent aspects of network 12 depending upon the volume and type ofdata to be delivered or the location of the remote user. For example,door monitoring system 20 generates an initial call to the user viacellular telephone network 26. After successfully contacting the user,door monitoring system 20 delivers video or pictures to the remote user,such as via a high speed cable internet connection, while continuing toaccept inputs over cellular phone network 26.

This notification system also permits a user to specify in advancevarious preferences. Illustratively, a user of the door monitoringsystem 20 selects multiple means of notification; wherein, doormonitoring system 20 prioritizes the message destination based upon aselected set of criteria. Other embodiments of the door monitoringsystem 20 select the destination of the notification message based uponthe time of day and/or the ambient light level detected in the areasnear to the door under control. Still other embodiments of doormonitoring system 20 selectively set the system alarm time, whichcorresponds to a user programmable timer alarm period parameter. Thealarm time is the period of time between the opening of the door and thesending of the notification message.

In some embodiments, the alarm time varies depending upon the time ofday, day of the week, or the ambient light level sensed in a region orarea of interest. As a non-limiting example, some embodiments of doormonitoring system 20 select a timer alarm period based upon the day ofthe week and time of day; while other embodiment select an timer alarmperiod based upon the ambient light detected in a region or an area ofinterest. Similarly, some embodiments of door monitoring system 20provide for an immediate alert, without delay. For example, a user mayenable the immediate alert feature between the hours of 10:00 am and5:00 pm during the work week and during periods of out of town travel.This effectively sets the alarm period parameter to zero during thespecified time periods.

As shown in FIG. 1, the door monitoring system 20 interfaces with othernetwork appliances to allow a user to remotely actuate a garage door.Illustratively, in some embodiments, the door monitoring system 20 isoperably coupled to network 12. Door monitoring system 20 uses network12 to interface with a cell phone 22 having a video/picture screen 24.Cell phone 22 interfaces with a cellular phone network 26 that operablycouples to a network 12. This provides a means of communication betweenthe cell phone 22 and door monitoring system 20. Similarly, othernetwork appliances 28, for example BlackBerry™ devices, Palm Pilot™devices, computers, laptops, internet-based applications, browsers orjava applets, interface with door monitoring system 20 to allow remotecontrol and monitoring of a door.

Door monitoring system 20 comprises a garage door opener 30 operablycoupled by a mechanism 34 for opening and closing a garage door 32,wherein the garage door has an exterior side 32 a and an interior side32 b. The garage door opener further comprises an obstruction sensor 34operably coupled to the garage door opener 30, which prevents garagedoor opener 30 from closing garage door 32 when the entrance isobstructed. In addition, garage door opener 30 interfaces with switch 38having a terminal 38 a and terminal 38 b. Toggling switch 38 causes thegarage door opener to actuate garage door 32.

Door monitoring system 20 further comprises control unit 42 and doorstatus sensor 48. As shown in FIG. 1, control unit 42 includes aninterface operably coupled to switch 38 that allows control unit 42 tocontrol the garage door opener 30 to actuate garage door 32. Controlunit 42 is also operably coupled to an interior camera 44 and anexterior camera 46. Interior camera 44 provides a picture or video imageof an area near to the interior side 32 b of garage door 32. Similarly,the interior camera 46 is operably coupled to control unit 42, andprovides picture or video images of the exterior side 32 a of garagedoor 32. As explained later, the video from the interior camera 44 andexterior camera 46 are provided to the user of a door monitoring system20 via network 12. This allows the user to view and store images of theareas near to the garage door 32 just prior, during, and after a commandto remotely actuate garage door 32. Finally, the door status sensor 48is operably coupled to control unit 42 and provides the control unitwith information regarding the position of garage door 32. Examples of adoor status sensor 48 include a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor,cameras, or other means known in the art for determining the relativeposition of a door. Likewise, it can be understood by those skilled inthe art that some embodiments of door monitoring system 20 use theinterior camera 44 and exterior camera 46 in place of door status sensor48 to provide control unit 42 with the relative position of garage door32.

Other embodiments of door monitoring system 20 comprise a recorder 50operably coupled to control unit 42. Recorder 50 is a recording deviceand provides a means for recording various forms of information gatheredor used by door monitoring system 20 including: pictures and videoprovided by the interior camera 44 and exterior camera 46; commandsentered into the door monitoring system 20; logs of door activities andremote accesses to the door monitoring system 20; system profile data,programs, user data, and any other information that may occur to oneskilled in the art. As a feature, recorder 50 comprises various methodsfor storing and managing information. Illustratively, in one mode ofoperation, the stored information is retained for a fixed period oftime. For example, in one mode of operation recorder 50 retains thestored information for 30 days. Yet another mode of operation ofrecorder 50 retains the stored information for 60 days. Still anothermode of operation of recorder 50 deletes the stored information on aneeds basis similar to a circular buffer memory; wherein, the mostrecent information replaces the oldest information. Other informationmanagement techniques include prioritization of the stored information;wherein the least important information is deleted first. In someembodiments, recorder 50 is a hard drive. As a non limiting example,embodiments of recorder 50 include: CD drives; read-write CD drives;floppy drives; tape recording devices; dynamic memories; staticmemories; or programmable memories. Likewise, some embodiments ofrecorder 50 comprise combinations of dynamic and programmable memory.Example memory types include, but are not limited to: SDRAM; RAM; DRAM;SRAM; RAM BUS; or flash memory. In addition, other embodiments ofrecorder 50 comprise programmable and/or removable memory systems. As anon-limiting example, this includes: flash drives; thumb drives; tape;flash; thumb drives; flash thumb drives; magnetic tape; optical discs;CD's; floppies; or portable hard drives. In addition, some embodimentsof recorder 50 comprise remote or networked storage devices.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, some embodiments of door monitoring system20 further comprise a means for playing back and displaying the video,pictures, and information stored on recorder 50. Illustratively, someembodiments include interfaces to TVs, computers, computer monitors,display units, projectors, web browsers, java applications, printers,cell phones, PDA devices, and other i/o devices as may occur to thoseskilled in the art.

Among other features, in some embodiments, control unit 42 comprise, forexample, microprocessors, computers, microcontrollers, state machines,FPDA's, and other programmable logic devices. Some embodiments ofcontrol unit 42 also include logic units, static and dynamic memories,ROM, RAM, and flash. Likewise, control unit 42 may include interfaces toexterior memory systems: SRAM; DRAM; SDRAM; RAM BUS; flash; hard drives;CD drives; floppy drives; and other similar means of providing formemory access and storage. Other embodiments of control unit 42 comprisevarious I/O, networking and user interfaces including touch pads, meansfor data entry, display, display interfaces, networking interfaces,timers, clocks, internal clocks, counters, interrupt controllers, andcommunication ports as would be understood by those skilled in the art.In yet other embodiments, control unit 42 is a PC, laptop PC,programmable calculator, programmable machine, cellular telephone, orother networked appliance. In addition, control unit 42 may furthercomprise methods for tracking and updating the time of day.Illustratively, one feature of control unit 42 allows a user to enterthe local time. In another mode of operation, control unit 42 updates aninternal clock by obtaining the time from a networked device; forexample, downloading the time of day from a web site linked to theofficial U.S. time of day or a cellular telephone network 26.

Embodiments of control unit 42 also include built-in peripheralinterfaces. Illustratively, in some embodiments, control unit 42includes an on-board modem for connecting to various network systems.Example network connections include: phone lines; cellular network;cable networks; wireless networks; DSL networks; satellite systems;Ethernet networks; optical networks. It will be understood that someembodiments of network 12 comprise the telephone system. Potentialnetwork connections include interfaces to wireless, wired, or opticalnetworks. Illustratively, control unit 42 may include networkconnections comprising Blue Tooth™, IRDA™, IEEE 802.11(a, b, f, g).Still other embodiments of control unit 42 include interfaces to homenetworking systems based upon Smarthouse™, CE Bus™, and Home Bus™.Likewise, in some embodiments, control unit 42 is integrated into a homeautomation system.

As shown in FIG. 1, some embodiments of door monitoring system 20comprise an exterior modem 52 operably coupled to control unit 42;wherein, modem 52 is operably coupled to network connection 12 and/orphone line 56. In addition, some embodiments of control unit 42 includean interface operably coupled to a computer 60. Likewise, computer 60may be either operably coupled to modem 52 or directly coupled tonetwork connection 12.

As a non-limiting example, at least one embodiment comprises modem 52coupled to at least one wide area network including: telephone; cellulartelephone; ATM; Ethernet; DSL; satellite; or cable. Modem 52 provides anetwork interface to network 12 for control unit 42 and, in someembodiments, computer 60. As explained later, this allows control unit42 to interface with other network appliances including, but not limitedto, a cellular phone network 26 or internet connections.

In some embodiments, computer 60 is a PC or laptop PC. However, in otherembodiments, computer 60 is either a hand-held computing device, such asa PDA, cell phone, or other networked appliance. Computer 60 mayinterface with control unit 42 by either a wireless or hardwiredinterconnection. A non-limiting example list of potential interfacesincludes IR, optical, RF, serial port, and USB.

In still other embodiments, control unit 52 is operably coupled to anoverride switch 58 having a system enable state and a system disablestate. Asserting override switch 58 places the door monitoring system ina system override state, which allows the user to selectively disablefeatures of the door monitoring system 20 while not disabling othercommand, control and monitoring features and functions. De-assertingoverride switch 58 places door monitoring system in the system enablestate. As a non-limiting example, implementations of override switch 58include optical, toggle, or contact switches. In some embodiments of thedoor monitoring system 20, the override switch 58 is incorporated into aseparate control panel, not shown here, or within other controlmechanisms integrated into the control unit 42, computer 60, or garagedoor opening 30.

In addition, some embodiments of control unit 42 are operably coupled toa light sensor 62. The light sensor 62 allows the door monitoring system20 to sense the ambient light in a desired region or area. Non-limitingexample embodiments of light sensor 62 comprise photo diodes or solarcell. In still other embodiments, a camera detects the ambient lightlevel within an area or region of interest. For example, the video fromthe exterior camera 46 is used to sense the ambient light level on theexterior side 32 a of the garage door 32. In some embodiments, controlunit 42 selectively chooses between control parameters based upon theambient level of light detected by light sensor 62.

Some embodiments of door monitoring system 20 further comprise a garagedoor opener antenna 64 operably coupled to garage door opener 30.Likewise, some embodiments include an antenna 66 operably coupled tocontrol unit 42. This provides a means of communication between controlunit 42 and garage door opener 30.

In addition, in some embodiments, antenna 66 of control unit 42 is usedto operably couple the door monitoring system 20 to a cellular phonenetwork 26. This allows the door monitoring system 20 to communicatedirectly with cell phone 22 or networked appliances 28.

Yet another feature of door monitoring system 20 further includes aserver application. This allows a remote user to interface with doormonitoring system 20 by logging onto a server (not shown) attached tonetwork 12. The server acts as an interface to door monitoring system20. The server application comprises, among other features, a userinterface comprising: video or pictures from door monitoring system 20;command functions; and monitoring functions. The server functionalitycan be either in integrated into control unit 42 or a separate networkdevice attached to network 12.

Illustratively, in at least one embodiment, the server function runs ona remote server connected to network 12. The user contacts the server bydirecting a web browser to a web site comprising a user interface with alogin prompt. Upon logging into the server, the server provides the userwith a user interface to a specified door monitoring system 20. Theserver also contacts the door monitoring system to be controlled andobtains relevant status information and initiates a picture or videosession; wherein, video or pictures of the area or regions near thegarage door are provided to the server. The server them provides thevideo and status information either directly or indirectly to the userclient. For example, the server can re-transmit the received video orpictures to the user client. Alternatively, the server can configure theuser client to receive the video stream or pictures directly and thedoor monitoring system to provide the user client the video stream orpicture directly.

Another aspect of door monitoring system 20 is illustrated as a flowdiagram in FIG. 2. As discussed, with continuing reference to theelements in FIG. 1, the flow diagram of FIG. 2 comprises a portion ofthe operation of control unit 42, portions of the elements of doormonitoring system 20, and door monitoring system 20 generally. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, one embodiment of door monitoring system 20 iscontrol system 100. At “monitor” 110, control system 100 monitors thestate of door status sensor 48, the network interface to control unit42, override switch 58, and light sensor 62.

In some embodiments of control system 100, at “monitor” 110, controlunit 42 senses the level of light detected by light sensor 62. Based onthe detected level of light, control unit 42 selects parameters used bycontrol system 100 including: prioritization notification parameters;timer alarm period parameters; and notification message destinationparameters.

Illustratively, some embodiments of control system 100 include userparameters for specifying and prioritizing notification messagedestinations. An example, but not exhaustive, list of potential messagedestinations includes: an email address; phone number; cell phonenumber; pager; internet connected client; internet connected server; orother network destinations. When control unit 42 detects that doorstatus sensor 48 is in the door open state for a period of timeexceeding a timer alarm period parameter, indicating the monitoredentrance is open, door monitoring system 20 sends a notification messageto a desired message destination using a message format compatible withthe user's networked device 28 or cell phone 22. For example, controlunit 42 may generate a phone call to a user's cell phone 22. Controlunit 42 then generates a voice message to the use indicating a door isopen and provide the user with the opportunity to log onto doormonitoring system 20 to close the door.

Other embodiments of control system 100 allow a user to select or setvarious time related parameters affecting the door monitoring system 20.This may include a parameter specifying a time alarm period parameterwherein a timer of control unit 42 generates an interrupt event afterthe door is open for a period of time: the interrupt event causes thecontrol system to generate a notification message to a desired messagedestination. In addition, some embodiments allow a user to specifydifferent timer alarm period parameter values depending upon the time ofday, day of week, vacation period, out of town travel period, ambientlight level detected by light sensors 62, or some other condition ofinterest. By way of example, a user may specify a first timer alarmperiod parameter value for the weekend, a second timer alarm periodparameter value for the week day, and a third timer alarm periodparameter value for week day evenings.

In addition, at “monitor” 110, control unit 42 monitors override switch58 to determine whether the user has placed the door monitoring system20 in an “override” 112. As shown in FIG. 2, when override switch 58 isasserted, control unit 42 generates a disable event to control system100. This causes control system 100 to transition to “override” 112,placing door monitor system 20 in the system override state. While in“override” 112, control system 100 disables at least one of the featuresof the door monitoring system 20. Illustratively, in some embodiments,the notification feature of the door monitoring system 20 is disabledwhile still allowing a remote user to log onto door monitoring system 20and execute other commands or monitor the system.

Control system 100 remains in “override” 112 until control unit 42detects either an enable event, closed event, or received call event. Anenable event occurs when the user toggles the override switch 58 to thesystem enable state, which cause door monitoring system to enter thesystem enable state and re-enables the previously disabled. In addition,as discussed later, a user may assert an enable event command via“command interface” 140. Similarly, control system 100 transitions from“override” 112 to the “monitor” 110 upon detecting a close event, whichoccurs when control unit 42 detects that the door status sensor 48 is inthe closed door state. Likewise, some embodiments of control system 100transition from “override” 112 to “login calling user” 124 of login 120upon a received event; a received call event occurs when a user contactsdoor monitoring system 20 to initiate a command and/or monitoringfeature. Illustratively, in some embodiments, the user initiates a cellphone call door monitoring system 20. Upon receipt of the call, controlunit 42 initiates a call event. This allows a remote user to interfacewith the door monitoring system 20 even when the control system 100 isin “override” 112.

Also, some embodiments of control system 100 include a maximum overrideperiod parameter. This allows control unit 42 to assert an enable eventto control system 100 after the door monitoring system is in “override”112 for a period of time equal to the maximum override period.Illustratively, when control system 100 enters “override” 112, controlunit 42 enables a count down timer that creates an interrupt event aftera time equal to the maximum override period parameter. When the timerexpires, control unit 42 generates an interrupt to the control system100, which causes control system 100 to transition from the “override”112 state to the “monitor” 110 state. As a result, door monitoringsystem 20 re-enables the notification feature of the door monitoringsystem 20.

At least one embodiment of door monitor system 20 includes anotification feature wherein the system sends a notification message toa user at a desired notification message destination when the door isopen for a specified period of time. Illustratively, the door monitoringsystem calls a user-specified cell phone to provide a set ofnotification messages and/or options. Returning to “monitor” 110 state,one embodiment of the notification feature comprises the control system100 transitioning to “timer” 116 upon the assertion of a door openevent, which occurs when control unit 42 senses that the door statussensor 48 is in the door open state. Control system 100 remains in“timer” 116 until either a closed event or a timer alarm period eventoccurs. A close event occurs when control unit 42 detects that doorstatus sensor 48 is in the door closed state. Upon a close event,control system 100 transitions from “timer” 116 to “store video clip”114. While in “store video clip” 114, control unit 42 causes recorder 50to record the video or pictures delivered by the interior camera 44 andexterior camera 46 during the periods just prior, during and after theactuation of the door. Control system 100 then transitions back to“monitor” 110.

Otherwise, when control system 100 enters “timer” 116, control unit 42sets a timer to create an interrupt event after the expiration of aperiod of time equal to a timer alarm period parameter. Upon expirationof the timer, control unit 42 creates an interrupt that causes controlsystem 100 to transition to “notice” 118. Although not shown in FIG. 2,alternative embodiments of control system 100 transition from “timer”116 to “override” 112 when a disable event occurs.

At “notice” 118, control unit 42 attempts to inform a user that the doorbeing controlled was open for a period of time greater than the timeralarm period parameter. In some embodiments, control unit 42 generates amessage to a primary message destination. In other embodiments, controlunit generates messages to both primary and alternative messagedestinations. In still other embodiments, control unit 42 makes a firstattempt to contract a user at a first preferred message destination;however, if the first attempt is unsuccessful, control unit 42 uses atleast one other preferred alternative message destination to contact theuser. Although not shown in FIG. 2, some embodiments of “notice” 118include a maximum attempt parameter wherein the control system 100returns to the monitor system 110 after making a maximum number ofattempts to contact the user. This causes control system 100 to restartthe notification feature.

Some embodiments of door monitoring system 20 provide a user interfacethat allows the user to specify a series of message destinationsincluding prioritization parameters. The prioritization parameters allowcontrol unit 42 to select a preferred destination for the notificationmessage. In addition, some embodiments of door monitor system 20 allow auser to specify a variety of notification message destinations. In otherembodiments a user can specify alternative destinations. A non-limitingexample list of potential notification message destinations includes:cell phone numbers, telephone numbers, voice mail, voice messagingsystems, pagers, email, or internet application messages.Illustratively, in at least one embodiment, control unit 42 generates avoice-based phone call to a user's cell phone 22, and provides the userwith a voice message prompt. The voice message prompt informs the userthat the caller is a door monitoring system and requesting that the userlog onto the system. If the attempted notification is unsuccessful, thedoor monitoring system selects another message destination. For example,this may include sending a text message to a pager or email system,sending a video email message comprising a picture or video clip frominterior camera 44 and exterior camera 46 to a user's email address, orcalling an alternative phone number.

As shown in FIG. 2, control system 100 transitions to “login” 120 uponmaking contact with a user using a network appliance capable of loggingonto the door monitoring system 20. Upon entering login 120, controlsystem 100 transitions to “login called user” 122. While in “logincalled user” 122, control unit 42 executes an algorithm requesting thata remote user provide an response to allow the user to utilize theresources of door monitoring system 20. In some embodiments, the remoteuser logs onto the door monitoring system 20 by providing a keysequence. The pass code may be numeric, alphanumeric, alpha characters.In more secure systems techniques using biometrics are employed. As anon-limiting example, this includes scanning fingerprints or retinalimages. In other embodiments, control unit 42 includes a means for voicerecognition, which allows a user to log onto the door monitoring system20 by providing a voice response. In still other embodiments, the userprovides a combination of at least one key word or code and voiceresponses to gain entry into the door monitoring system 20. Upon a loginfailure event, control system 100 transitions to “retry” 126. At retry126, the control unit 42 determines whether an alternative messagedestination is specified and whether that alternative address waspreviously contacted. If an unused alternative address is available,control unit 42 issues a retry event, which causes control system 100 totransition back to “notice” 118 and make another attempt to contact theuser using the alternative message destination. However, if noalternative message destination is specified, all the primary andalternative message destinations were previously tried without success,or the previous attempt to contact all of the primary and alternativedestination addresses failed, control system 100 transitions to“monitor” 110. This results in a delay period of time before a newnotification attempt occurs because control system 100 must first passthrough “timer” 116 prior to re-entering into “notice” 118.

Upon a successful entry of a user pass code or voice identificationmessage, control unit 42 issues a login successful event, which causesthe control system 100 to transition to “report initial status” 130.While in the “report initial status” 130 state, the control unitprovides the user with either voice or text messages, compatible withthe user interface of the receiving device, regarding the status of thedoor monitoring system. Illustratively, in some embodiments, doormonitoring system 20 generates a voice message to a user via cell phone22, that indicates garage door 32 is in an open state for a period oftime longer than the timer alarm period parameter. In another mode ofoperation, illustratively when interfacing with a user's networkeddevice that does not have a video screen, a voice, audio or text alertmessage is generated requesting the user call door monitoring system 20.After generating an initial report status for the user, control system100 transitions to “command interface” 140.

At “command interface” 140, control unit 42 generates a user interfaceto allow a remote user to control and monitor the features and functionsof the door monitoring system 20. In some embodiments, the userinterface provides a text message interface to the remote user. In stillother embodiments, control unit 42 generates a series of voice messagesas part of the user interface. In addition, control unit 42 providesnavigational instructions as well as responses to allow the user toselect among a variety of commands or request various status reportsconcerning the state of the door monitoring system 20 and the door undercontrol. Illustratively, at least one embodiment of “command interface”140 generates status reports comprising: “report activity log” 142;“report status” 144; “report picture status” 146; and “report statuschange” 148. In addition, in at least one embodiment, the “commandinterface” 140 includes: “door open command” 150, “door close command”160; and “enable/disable” 170.

At “report activity log” 142, control unit 42 interfaces with itsmemory, including but not limited to the memory associated with recorder50, to generate a log of the various activities that have occurredduring a specified period of time. Illustratively, at least oneembodiment of “report activity log” 142 comprises control unit 42generating a series of voice messages to inform the remote user of theprevious activity associated with the door under control, including: useof the door monitoring system; attempts to log onto door monitoringsystem 20; actuations of the door under control; and failed andsuccessful login events. In other embodiments, the control unit alsoprovides the report activity log in a series of text messages. In thecase where the user is utilizing a web-based application, such as abrowser or java applet, the door monitoring system 20 generates a webdisplayable or playable report to the user. In addition, someembodiments of “report activity log” 142 allow a user to request anemail delivery of the report activity log. Upon completion of sendingthe report activity log, control system 100 returns to the “commandinterface” 140.

“Command interface” 140 also allows a user to request an updated statusreport, which results in a request status event to control system 100.As a result, control system 100 transitions to “report status” 144. At“report status” 144, control unit 42 generates a status messageregarding the position of the door under control. Illustratively, in atleast one embodiment, control unit 42 generates a voice message to theuser indicating that the door is in the open or closed state and whetherthe door monitoring system is in the override state. However, in someembodiments, the control unit 42 also reports that the door is in anindeterminate mode or is in the process of transitioning from either aclosed to open state or an open to closed state. Similar to the “reportactivity log” 142, door monitoring system 20 provides text, voice, or acombination of text and voice messages to the user, depending upon theinterface employed by the remote user. Illustratively, in oneembodiment, door monitoring system 20 provides both a voice and textmessage to a user's cell phone, indicating the status of the doormonitoring system 20. Alternatively, door monitoring system 20 providesa text message to a user's interface device that is capable of receivinga text message. After providing the requested status report, controlsystem 100 returns to “command interface” 140.

Some embodiments of door monitoring system 20 include a feature thatallows the user to request a picture or video clip of the areasurrounding or near to the interior and exterior of the door undercontrol. Upon receiving a user's request to view the area near to thedoor, control unit 42 generates a request picture status event tocontrol system 100. As a result, the control system 100 transitions from“command interface” 140 to “report picture status” 146. This causescontrol unit 44 to create a video or picture message containing thepresent displayable video or pictures from interior camera 44 and/orexterior camera 46. The video based message is then provided to the uservia network 12.

Illustratively, in one embodiment, control unit 42 obtains the picturesor video from the interior camera 44 and exterior camera 46, andcompresses the video images using a video compression system adapted tothe user's network appliance. Door monitoring system 20 sends thecompressed images via network 12 to the user, whereupon the image isdisplayed on a video/picture screen 24. Various modes of displayingimages of the areas near the interior and exterior sides of garage door32 are contemplated. In one mode of operation, the display of the imagesof the areas near the interior and exterior sides of the garage door areshown simultaneously, for example, in a side by side fashion. In anothermode of operation, the images of the interior and exterior sides of thegarage door alternate. Another embodiment of control unit 42 provides atext message to the user device to inform the user of the present statusof the door monitoring system. In another embodiment, control unit 42provides the requested video images and generates a voice message“system is disabled” to inform the user that the door monitoring systemis currently in the override mode. After providing the requestedpictures and status of the door monitoring system 20, control system 100returns to “command interface” 140.

In some embodiments of “command interface” 140, control unit 42generates a change event when the status of the door under controlchanges while the user is interfaced to the door monitoring system 20.In one example, an initial status report generated by “report initialstatus” 130 indicates that the door under control is in the open state.Thereafter, control unit 42 detects that the door status sensor 48 hastransitioned from the open door status to close door status while theuser is logged onto the door monitoring system. As a result, controlunit 42 generates a change event interrupt. This results in the controlsystem 100 transitioning from “command interface” 140 to “report statuschange” 148. While in the “report status change” 148, control unit 42generates an updated status report similar to the status report providedby “report status” 144. In other embodiments, control unit 42 generatesan updated status report similar to report picture 146. After providingthe updated status report, control system 100 transitions or returns to“command interface” 140.

In addition to the status reporting features of door monitoring system20, “command interface” 140 also allows the user to place the doormonitoring system 20 in either the override mode or to re-enable thesystem upon exiting back to “monitor” 110. In one embodiment, the userinstructs door monitor system 20 to transition from the override stateinto the enabled state. Upon receiving the request, control unit 42generates a change override event, which causes control system 100 totransition from “command interface” 140 to “enable/disable” 170. At“enable/disable” 170, control system 100 then sets a parameter thatcauses control unit 42 to generate an override log out event whenexiting “command interface” 140. As a result, control system 100 firsttransitions to “override” 112; and subsequently, control system 100transitions back to “monitor” 110 without further intervention andre-enables the reporting function of door monitoring system 20. In someembodiments, control system 100 transitions directly to “monitor” 110and another means if used to ensure the system's state variables areproperly reset. Alternatively, the user may also disable the reportingfeature. This causes control system 100 to return to “override” 112 uponexiting “command interface” 140.

At least one embodiment of “command interface” 140 provides a means fora remote user to generate a command requesting that the door undercontrol be opened or closed. Upon receiving a user request to open adoor, control unit 42 generates a request open door event, which resultsin control system 100 transitioning from “command interface” 140 to“door open command” 150. Similarly, a user request to close the doorunder control causes control unit 42 to generate a request close doorevent, which results in the control system 100 transitioning from“command interface” 140 to “close door command” 160. Upon exiting fromeither the “open door command” 150 or “close door command” 160, controlsystem 100 transitions to “store video clip” 158. Similar to “storevideo clip” 114, at “store video clip” 158, control unit 42 instructsrecorder 50 to store the video images generated by interior camera 44and exterior camera 46. Control unit 42 commands recorder 50 to store adesired period of time prior to the actuation of the door under control.The time periods recorded may include: before the door actuates, whilethe door is actuating, and after the actuation of the door. Followingthis, control system 100 returns to “command interface” 140.

Returning to the “open door command” 150, the control system 100initially enters “send picture” 152; wherein, the door monitoring systemprovides the remote user a picture of the interior and exterior regionsor areas near to the door under control. After the pictures aredownloaded to the user, control unit 42 is enabled to close the door viathe operation of garage door opener 30. In some embodiments doormonitoring system 20 employs a verification step that requires eitherthe user or the user's networked device to confirm receipt of the videoor pictures. After the downloading of the interior and exterior picturesor video to the remote user's networked appliance, control system 100transitions to “confirm open” 154; wherein, the door monitoring system20 requests the user reconfirm the command to actuate the door. This isdone to ensure that the user has an opportunity to view the pictures orvideo of the surrounding area near to the door prior to actuating thedoor. Upon receiving a confirmation of the open door command, controlsystem 100 transitions to “open” 156. At “open” 156, control unit 42operably controls the garage door opener 30 to actuate the door undercontrol, here garage door 32. Control system 100 then transitions to“store video clip” 158 before returning to “command interface” 140.

One embodiment of door open command 150 is shown in FIG. 3 as a messagetransaction diagram 300 between door monitoring system 20 and a remoteuser device. The following description is with continuing reference todoor monitoring system 20 of FIG. 1 and control system 100 of FIG. 2. Asshown in FIG. 3, the remote user device is cell phone 22 with a pictureor video display capability; however, it is understood that othernetworked appliances are also intended. At 310, the user initiates a“request open door indication” using cell phone 22. Upon receiving the“request open door indication” 310, control system 100 transitions to“send picture” 152. As a result, control unit 42 captures the video frominterior camera 44 and generates a “download interior pictureindication” 312 to cell phone 22.

The user's cell phone displays the received pictures or video upon thevideo picture screen 24 of cell phone 22. In at least one embodiment,cell phone 22 automatically generates an “interior picture receivedacknowledgment” 314 back to the door monitoring system 20. This allowsthe door monitoring system 20 to ensure that the user received the imageand had an opportunity to view the areas or region near to the interiorside 328 door under control, here garage door 32, prior to completion ofdoor open command 150. In other embodiments, the user generates theinterior picture received acknowledgment 314 by a key press or voiceacknowledgement. However, some embodiments do not require an interiorpicture received acknowledgment 314. Upon receiving the interior picturereceived acknowledged 314 message, control unit 42 generates a “downloadexterior picture indication” 316 using the video from the exteriorcamera 46. After completing the download, cell phone 22 generates an“exterior picture received acknowledgment” 318 to the door monitoringsystem 20. Similar to the interior picture received acknowledgment, someembodiments generate an automatic response. Other embodiments require auser-initiated response, and (not shown) other embodiments do notrequire an “exterior picture received acknowledgement” 318.

Receiving the “exterior picture received acknowledgment” 318 causescontrol unit 42 to generate an interrupt to control system 100indicating that cell phone 22 has successfully downloaded or receivedvideo images recorded by the interior camera 44 and exterior camera 46.As a result, control system 100 transitions to “confirm open” 154.Control unit 42 then generates a prompt requesting the user provide a“confirm open door command” 320. The message generated by control unit42 may be either text, voice, tone, graphical, or any other meanscapable of communicating to the user that the door monitoring system 20desires the user to confirm the “open door command” 150.

In the event that the user desires to complete the “open door command”150, the user provides a “confirm open command indication” 322 to doormonitoring system 20. For example, in one embodiment the messagecomprising a “confirm open command indication” 422 comprising the usersaying the word “yes” into the microphone of cell phone 22.Alternatively, a user provides a confirm open command indication 422 byentering a key press. Upon receipt of a message confirming the open doorcommand, control system 100 transitions to “open” 156, which results incontrol unit 42 commanding garage door opening 130 to actuate the doorunder control. In addition, control unit 42 generates an “open commandacknowledge” 324 message to the user at cell phone 22. As previouslydescribed in relation to FIG. 2, control system 100 then transitions to“store video clip” 158 before returning to “command interface” 140.

However, the user terminates a close door command 150 by providing, asindicated by the user interface associated with the door monitoringsystem 20, a “cancel open door command indication” 322 a.Illustratively, in one embodiment, the user generates a “cancel opendoor command indication” 322 a by saying the word “cancel command” intothe microphone or alternatively by pressing the indicated key of cellphone 22. Upon receipt of the “cancel open door command indication” 322a, control unit 42 generates a cancel command event to control system100. In some embodiments, this causes control system 100 to transitionto “store video clip” 158 to capture the video generated by interiorcamera 44 and exterior camera 46 for some time prior to and afterreceiving the cancel open door command indication. Although not shown inFIG. 2, in other embodiments, control system 100 transitions directly to“command interface” 140 without storing any pictures or video generatedby interior camera 44 or exterior camera 46. In addition, in someembodiments, control unit 42 generates a cancel command acknowledgmentmessage 324 a. This message informs the user, either in text, voice,tone, graphics, or a combination thereof, that the “cancel open doorcommand indication” 322 a was received and that the door monitoringsystem 20 awaits further instructions.

Another aspect of control system 100 is an embodiment of door closecommand 160, illustrated in FIG. 4 as transaction diagram 400.Transaction diagram 400 shows the communications between door monitoringsystem 20 and a user remotely closing a door with a cell phone 22 havinga picture/video screen 24. The following description is with continuingreference to door monitoring system 20 of FIG. 1 and control system 100of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the user initiates a “request close doorindication” 310 to door monitoring system 20. Upon receipt, control unit42 generates a request close door event, causing control system 100 totransition from “command interface” 140 to “close door command” 160.Upon entering “close door command” 160, control system 100 enters “sendpicture” 162. Similar to message transaction diagram 300 of FIG. 3, thiscauses control unit 42 to generate a “download interior pictureindication” 412 to cell phone 22. The “download interior pictureindication” 412 includes video or pictures generated by interior camera44. After receiving “download interior picture indication” 412, cellphone 22 generates an “interior picture received acknowledgment” 414message to door monitoring system 20, which indicates cell phone 22successfully received the images. The interior picture receivedacknowledgment 414 causes control unit 42 to generate a “downloadexterior picture indication” 416 that includes the images or videocaptured by exterior camera 46. After completing the download process,cell phone 22 generates an “exterior picture received acknowledgment”418 message to door monitoring system 20, which indicates that the cellphone 22 successfully downloaded the exterior picture provided by theexterior camera 46 to door monitoring system 20. In response, controlunit 42 sends an indication to control system 100, indicating that thedownload process was successful, wherein control system 100 transitionsto “confirm close” 164.

At “confirm close” 164, control unit 42 prompts the cell phone user toprovide a “confirm close door command” 420. Similar to the prompt usedin conjunction with the confirm “open door command” 150, the messagefrom control unit 42 may comprise text, voice, graphical, or soundgeneration means that indicates to the user that an additional action isrequired in order to complete the “close door command” 160. As an addedsafety feature, the video from door monitoring system 20 can include atime stamp. The time stamp allows door monitoring system 20 to determinewhether the user received the video or picture in a timely manner.

To complete the door close command 160, the user at cell phone 22generates a “confirm close command indication” 422 as specified by theuser interface of door monitoring system 20. Illustratively, in someembodiments, the user initiates a confirm close command indication 422by making a verbal response to be interpreted by the door monitoringsystem 20. In other embodiments, the user at cell phone 22 requests theuser to enter a numerical or alpha/numeric combination confirming thedesire to continue with the close door command. In still otherembodiments, the user provides a response associated with a text orgraphical message embedded within either the interior picture, exteriorpicture, or both the interior and exterior pictures. Illustratively, inat least one embodiment, a pass code is placed within at least one ofthe downloaded pictures. In some embodiments the pass code is overlaidthe video or picture. In other embodiments the pass code is placedwithin a portion of the border region associated with the picture.Illustratively, in some embodiments, the pass code is embedded as anoverlay text. In other embodiments, the pass code is embedded using atranslucent overlay technique. In still other embodiments, the pass codeis displayed upon one of the borders of the downloaded picture followingcompletion of the download process. Alternatively, some embodiments ofdoor monitoring system 20 provide the pass code in a voice prompt.

Upon receipt of the “confirm close command indication” 422 by doormonitoring system 20, control unit 42 generates an interrupt that causescontrol system 100 to transition to “close” 156. This results in controlunit 42 generating a control signal to garage door opener 30 to actuategarage door 32. In addition, control system 100 transitions to “storevideo clip” 158; wherein, control unit 42 instructs recorder 50 torecord the pictures or images generated by interior camera 44 andexterior camera 46 during the times just prior, during, and after theclosing of the garage door 32. Following completion of the command, whendoor status sensor 48 indicates the garage door 32 is in the closedstate, control unit 42 sends a “close command acknowledged” 424 to theuser at cell phone 22 informing the user that the requested close doorcommand was successfully completed. Alternatively, the user discontinuesthe close door command by sending a “cancel close door commandindication” 422 a to door monitoring system 20. Upon receipt of the“cancel close door command indication” 422 a, control unit 42 sends amessage to control system 100 indicating the user's desire to cancel therequested command. In some embodiments, this causes control system 100to immediately transition to “command interface” 140. In otherembodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, control system 100 transitions to“store video clip” 158 to record the time just prior and after receiptof the “cancel close door command indication” 422 a. Finally, the doormonitoring system 20 generates a “cancel command acknowledgment” 424 amessage to the user at cell phone 22 to confirm that the close doorcommand was not executed and provide the user with an indication thatthe control system is now in “command interface” 140 mode of operation.Otherwise, door monitoring system 20 advantageously provides a method oftracking the passage of time after enabling the control unit function toremotely actuate the garage door and disabling the control unit functionto remotely actuate the garage door after the passage of a time outperiod of time.

As shown in FIG. 5, with continuing reference to door monitoring system20 of FIG. 1 and control system 100 of FIG. 2, one embodiment of the“report picture status” 146 feature is shown in FIG. 5 and includes“send interior picture” 510 and “send exterior picture function” 512.Initially the control system 100 is in “command interface” 140. Uponreceiving a “request picture update” 514 from the user, control system100 transitions to “report picture status” 146 and enters “send interiorpicture” 510. This causes the door monitoring system to sends aninterior picture of the area or regions near to the interior side 32A ofgarage door 32.

In some embodiments, shown as “interior only” 518, the control unit 42continues sending the pictures and video provided by interior camera 44.This continues until some intervening act by the user or the controlsystem 100. Illustratively, in one embodiment, control system 100 exitsthe loop created by “interior only” 518 after a given number of frames.Alternatively, control system 100 exits the loop upon receiving a usergenerated key press or verbal command. In other embodiments, as shown as“next” 520, control system 100 transitions to “send exterior picture”512 after control unit 42 indicates that a message containing aninterior picture was sent to the user. In still other embodiments,control system 100 proceeds to “return” 516 after sending the interiorpicture.

At “send interior picture” 512, control unit 42 generates a message tothe user's networked appliance 28 containing video or picture imagesfrom exterior camera 46. Similar to the “send interior picture”510process, in some embodiments control system 100 proceeds to “exterioronly” 522, which causes control unit 42 to continually send video andpictures generated by exterior camera 46 until an intervening eventoccurs. Alternatively, in some embodiments, control system 100 proceedsto “return” 516 after control unit 42 indicates that the exteriorpicture or video has been sent to the user; this causes control system100 to return to the “command interface” 140.

Still other embodiments of the door monitoring system 20 include afeature of sending alternating interior and exterior pictures or videosegments to the user. Illustratively, after sending the exteriorpicture, control system 100 proceeds to “continuous” 524. This causescontrol unit 42 to send an updated interior picture provided by interiorcamera 44. After sending the interior picture, control system 100proceeds to next 520, which results in control system 100 entering “sendexterior picture” 512. This process then continues until someintervening event causes the control system to proceed to “return” 516,wherein control system 100 returns to “command interface” 140.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of “report activity log” 142 and isdescribed with continuing reference to door monitoring system 20 of FIG.1 and control system 100 of FIG. 2. Starting at “command interface” 140,a user initiates the “report activity log” 142 feature by sending arequest log message via network 12 to control unit 42. Upon receipt,control unit 42 generates an interrupt, which causes control system 100to transition to “report activity log” 142. Upon entering “reportactivity log” 142, control system 100 proceeds to “send activity log”610. At “send activity log” 610, control unit 42 interfaces with memoryincluding but not limited to recorder 50, to obtain informationregarding the activities of the door monitoring system 20 and theportals under control of the door monitoring system 20. In someembodiments, the user interface of the door monitoring system 20 allowsthe user to specify various characteristics of the report generated tothe user. Illustratively, at least one embodiment of door monitoringsystem 20 provides the user a method to specify a period of time ofinterest, activities of interest, attempted system login events,successful login events, unsuccessful login events, and the presentstatus of the system. Other embodiments of “report activity log” 142allow a user to request an accompanying video clip or picture associatedwith each event affecting door monitoring system 20 or the actuation ofthe portal under control. Illustratively, least one embodiment includesas a feature a user initiated “request video clip” 620 command. Uponreceiving the “request video clip,” control system 100 transitions to“retrieve video clip” 612. At “retrieve video clip” 612, control unit 42interfaces with recorder 50 to retrieve the video or pictures generatedby interior camera 44 and exterior camera 46 associated with the eventof interest. After retrieving the video or pictures from memory, controlsystem 100 proceeds to “send video sequence” 614. The control unit 42sends a message to the user's networked appliance that contains theretrieved video clip or pictures. Some embodiments provide a “repeat”622 option wherein control unit 42 sends additional copies of thepreviously retrieved video clip or sequence of pictures. In still otherembodiments, control system 100 proceeds to “exit video sequence” 624and returns to “send activity log” 610. Alternatively, after sending therequested video sequence, some embodiments of the send video sequence614 feature proceed to “return” 618 after successfully downloading atleast one sequence of video or pictures. This causes control system 100to transition to “command interface” 140. Similarly, after the usercompletes reviewing the activity log, the user may initiate a return 618process, which causes control system 100 to return to “commandinterface” 140.

In some embodiments of “report activity log” 142, door monitoring system20 generates a text-based activity log. However, in other embodiments,the door monitoring system generates a set of voice messages to the userthat report the activity log. In still other embodiments, doormonitoring system 20 generates a combination of text, graphics, andvoice messages to report the activity log. In addition, door monitoringsystem 20 uses a reporting means dependent upon the capabilities of theuser's networked appliance. In addition, some embodiments of the systempermit a user to interface with the activity log locally through eithera display interface operably coupled to the door monitoring system,computer 60, a control panel (not shown) operably coupled to the system,or other means as would occur to one skilled in the art.

Returning to FIG. 1, some embodiments of door monitoring system 20comprise a configuration and set up technique including interfacingcomputer 60 to control unit 42 and downloading various set upparameters. Illustratively, in some embodiments the user interfacepermits a user to specify an alarm phone number or notificationdestination address and an associated access or pass code. In addition,some embodiments of the user interface of the door monitoring system 20permit a user to enter multiple notification addresses.

Yet other embodiments of the door monitoring system 20 include a featurethat allows a user to specify from where a user may access the doormonitoring system 20. Illustratively, some embodiments include a callerID function to screen incoming calls to the door monitoring system.Control unit 42 screens the incoming calls, and permits only a usercalling from a specified phone number to gain access to the command andreporting functions. Alternatively, other embodiments require the userto utilize a particular device, identified or identifiable by a staticIP address, serial number, Ethernet address, ATM address, other similaridentifying means.

In addition, some embodiments of control unit 20 comprise a calldirector feature. The call director feature comprises a method ofsharing a phone line between a door monitoring system and otherappliances using the same phone line. Illustratively, one embodiment ofthe call director is operably coupled to phone line 56 and furthercomprises a means for connecting phone line 56 to other devices in thestructure that attach to the interior phone line (not shown). Exampledevices include phone sets, computer modems, voice mail, voice messagingsystems, and fax machines. The call director senses the phone line todetermine if there is an incoming call. Upon detecting that there is anincoming call, door monitoring system 20 answers the phone call byconnecting to the phone line. Door monitoring system 20 listens for aremote command, distinctive ring or tone indicating the call is meantfor the door monitoring system or another application sharing the phoneline.

In the event that the call is not for the door monitoring system, thecall director simulates a continuing ring for the calling party andgenerates a ring voltage as an output on the interior phone line. Thecall director then routs the call to the answering device on theinterior phone line by connecting phone line 56 to the interior phoneline.

Other embodiments of the call director comprise a feature for detecting“distinctive ring tones” signifying the incoming call is intended fordoor monitoring system 20. The distinctive ring tone allows doormonitoring system 20 or another application to share phone line 56. Doormonitoring system 20 does not answer calls not using the distinctivering tone indicating a call into door monitoring system 20.

Alternatively, in the event that the call is not for the door monitoringsystem, the call director simulates a continuing ring for the callingparty and generates a ring voltage as an output on the interior phoneline. The call director then routes the call to the answering device onthe interior phone line by connecting phone line 56 to the interiorphone line.

Alternatively, the call director is operably coupled to the shared phoneline and comprises a method comprising the steps of sensing the phoneline to detect whether an incoming call is intended for the doormonitoring system and connecting the door monitoring system's means forreceiving and processing information received over a phone line to thephone line when the incoming call is intended for the door monitoringsystem.

The flow diagram of FIG. 7 describes a technique for setting up a doormonitoring system 700 with continuing reference to the door monitoringsystem as illustrated in FIG. 1. Beginning at “start” 710, someembodiments of the door monitoring system 20 include a user placing thedoor monitoring system 20 in a “set up mode” 712. Illustratively, thiscan be done by a user holding a button or combination of buttons on auser interface panel operably coupled or incorporated into control unit42 or the door monitoring system 20. System 700 then proceeds to “loadset up menu information into set up device” 714. The setup menu providesa means for collecting user configuration data. A non-limiting exampleof setup menu implementations includes: setup application programs;browser interfaces; Java applets; or applications loaded into a networkappliance such as a computer 60, cell phone 22, or network appliance 28.In addition, some embodiments envision using a web page interface toenter data into a database to be used to configure the door monitoringsystem 20. After the set up menu is loaded into the set up device,system 700 proceeds to “user input set up data” 716.

At “user input set up data” 716, the user is prompted to enterapplication related data as previously described or as would beenvisioned by one of ordinary skills in the art. The set up program orapplication then consolidates the user parameters and prepares them tobe downloaded into the door monitoring system 20. System 700 thenproceeds to “upload set up data to server” 718.

At “upload set up data to server” 718, the set up device communicates toa server programmed to receive the user parameters. After the data hasbeen successfully uploaded to the server, system 700 proceeds to “servercalls door monitoring system” 720.

At “server calls door monitoring system” 720, the server initiates acall or network message protocol to the door monitoring system 20specified by the user. Illustratively, in some embodiments, the serverinitiates a call via the phone network that is operably coupled tocontrol unit 42 through network 12, modem 52, or phone line 56. Theserver then initiates a logon procedure with control unit 42. Theinitial logon procedure includes an identifying means. Illustratively,some embodiments use the serial number of the door monitoring system 20or a preset pass code or access code provided with the door monitoringsystem 20. After successfully logging onto the door monitoring system20, system 700 proceeds to “download set up data” 724.

At “download set up data” 724, the server downloads the set up data todoor monitoring system 20 as described or specified by the user at “userinput set up data” 716. This data is stored by control unit 42 innonvolatile memory for later recall. After successfully downloading theuser specified parameters, the server logs out of the door monitoringsystem 20 and system 700 proceeds to “confirm set up” 726.

At “confirm set up” 726, the server initiates a received call event tothe door monitoring system 20 as previously described in relation toFIG. 2. During this process, the server logs into the door monitoringsystem 20, confirms the report of initial status 130, and executesvarious command interface functions as previously described.Illustratively, in one embodiment the server request the door monitoringsystem 20 provide a status report of door monitoring system 20, providea video picture through the “report picture status” 146 feature, andactuate the garage door using the “open door command” 150 and “closedoor command” 160. In doing so, the server provides an end-to-endsimulation of a remote user contacting and controlling door monitoringsystem 20 through network 12. Finally, system 700 proceeds to “end” 728,which completes the setup process.

Another embodiment of door monitoring system 20 is shown in FIG. 8 asdoor monitoring system 820. Door monitoring system 820 comprises touchpad controller 838 operably coupled to garage door opener 30 and controlunit 842. Door monitoring system 820 is similar to door monitoringsystem 20 of FIG. 1; however, the system features are distributedbetween the touch pad controller 838 and control unit 842. Similar todoor monitoring system 20, touch pad controller 838 is operably coupledto the interior camera 44, exterior camera 46, door status sensor 48,and light sensor 62. Although not shown, some embodiments of touch padcontroller 838 also include an override switch similar to overrideswitch 58 of FIG. 1. In addition, similar to door monitoring system 20,touch pad controller 838 is operably coupled to garage door opener 30.Some embodiments of touch pad controller 838 also comprise an antenna840, which allows wireless communication to control unit 842. Thisallows wireless control of garage door opener 30 and touch padcontroller 838. As a result, door monitoring system 820 advantageouslydoes not require a network interface be present in an area associatedwith garage door opener 30. Illustratively, in some embodiments garagedoor opener 30 also comprises an antenna 64 capable of receivingtransmissions from touch pad controller 838 and control unit 842. Insome embodiments, the RF interface 64 of garage door opener 30 receivescommands directly from control unit 842 through a wireless interface 66.

Control unit 842 comprises a network interface 12, phone line 56, and aninterface to computer 60. Although FIG. 8 does not show a modem elementsimilar to modem 52, embodiment of control unit 842 include the featuresand functions of a device similar to modem 52 as described in relationto FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 9, one embodiment of the recorder 910 comprises acircular buffer memory 912 and a storage memory 914. The circular buffermemory 912 includes a pointer “p” 916, which provides a means foraddressing to the most recently stored frame or picture in a sequence asstored in the circular buffer memory 912. In addition, the circularbuffer memory 912 also comprises a pointer “r” 918, which provides anaddress to memory containing a first frame of video or picture ofinterest to be stored in the storage memory 914.

As shown in FIG. 9, the circular buffer memory 912 is arranged in blockssufficient to hold a single frame or picture of a video sequenceprovided by a camera source. Illustrative, the first block of memory ofthe circular buffer memory 912 is “frame 1” 920. “Frame 1” 920 is linkedto succeeding frames of memory such that the circular buffer memory 912comprises “frame 1” 920 through frame £ 927. Also shown is the k^(th)frame of memory, “frame k” 924, which corresponds to the most recentlycaptured picture or video. Consequently, the k+1^(th) frame of memory,“frame k+1” 926, represents the oldest picture of frame of video withinthe circular buffer memory 912. Also shown is the k−1^(th) frame ofmemory, “frame k−1” 928, which corresponds to the picture or frame ofvideo captured just prior to the picture or video frame stored in “framek” 924.

Pointer “r” 918 provides an address to the i^(th) frame of memory,“frame i” 919. This corresponds to the first picture or frame of videoof interest for a given event. Similarly, the j^(th) frame of memory,“frame j” 929, corresponds to the last picture or frame of video ofinterest for a given event. The “temporal frame order” 940 shows thearrangement of the pictures or video frames within the circular buffermemory 912 in order from the oldest to the most recently-captured videoor picture. Memory “frame k+1” 926 corresponds to the oldest frame ofvideo or picture within the circular buffer memory 912, while the “framek” 924, is the most recent frame of video or picture captured within thecircular buffer memory 912.

The recorded frames 930 comprise “n” frames of video or pictures ofinterest captured during a door monitor event. The first frame of memorywithin the recorded frames 930 is “frame i” 919. The last frame ofmemory placed within storage memory 914 as recorded frames 930 is “framej” 934.

Illustratively, in one embodiment door monitoring system 20 initiallyplaces video obtained from the interior camera 44 and exterior camera 46in circular buffer memory 912. In some embodiments, the circular bufferis part of recorder 910. In other embodiments, circular buffer memory912 comprises memory associated with recorder 910. The video picturesare arranged in temporal order of their arrival in a linked list memoryarrangement comprising “l” frames of memory. As new frames of video orpictures arrive, recorder 910 replaced the oldest video or picture withthe most recently arrived video or picture. Upon a door monitoringevent, illustratively an open door command or door close command,control unit 42 (not shown) instructs recorder 910 to store “n” framesof pictures or video of interest, which relate to the time just prior,during, and after completion of the requested command. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the circular buffer memorymust be sufficiently large to allow continuous storage of the incomingpictures or video while allowing sufficient time for recorder 910 tostore the recorded frames 930 in storage memory 914. In at least oneembodiment of recorder 910, the circular buffer memory 912 and storagememory 914 reside upon a hard drive. In other embodiments, the circularbuffer memory comprises a dynamic RAM or flash memory system which iscontinually updated as new video frames or pictures are received.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

1. A method for providing a user with a voice notification message thata garage door is open from a door monitoring system connected to anetwork; wherein the door monitoring system comprises: a door statussensor comprising a door open state and a door closed state; a timer; atimer alarm period parameter that specifies the period of time the doorstatus sensor can be in the door open state prior to sending anotification message; a voice message generator capable of generating atleast one voice notification message for the user; and at least oneparameter for specifying at least one message destination for the voicemessage to be sent via the network connection to the user; the methodcomprising steps of: detecting the state of the door status sensor;calculating an open door time period, wherein the open door time periodis the time period that the door status sensor is in the door openstate; sending at least one voice notification message via the networkconnection to the message destination to inform the user that the doorstatus sensor has been in the door open state for a time period not lessthan the timer alarm period; receiving at least one command to enableremote actuation of the garage door, said at least one command beingsent from the same device that receives said at least one voicenotification message.
 2. The method of claim 1, the method furthercomprising the step of generating a voice message requesting the userprovide a password to gain access to the functions of the doormonitoring system.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least onecommand is a voice command.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the doorcomprises an interior side and an exterior side, and the door monitoringsystem further comprises: a first camera oriented to view an area nearto an interior side of the door; a second camera oriented to view anarea near to an exterior side of the door; the method furthercomprising: providing the user with a picture from the first and secondcameras.
 5. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising thestep of setting the timer alarm period to a different period of timedepending upon the time of day.
 6. A method for providing a user with anotification message that a remotely actuated door is in an open statefrom a door monitoring system operably connected to a network; whereinthe door monitoring system comprises: a door status sensor comprising adoor open and a door closed state; a timer; a means of measuring theamount of sunlight; a timer alarm period parameter that specifies theperiod of time the door status sensor can be in the door open stateprior to sending a notification message; a message generator capable ofcreating at least one message for a user; and at least one parameter forspecifying at least one message destination; the method comprising thesteps of: detecting the state of the door status sensor; calculating theopen door time period, wherein the open door time period is the timeperiod that the door status sensor is in the door open state; measuringthe amount of sunlight present in an area on the exterior side of thedoor; adjusting the timer alarm period depending upon the light level;and sending at least one notification message via the network connectionto the message destination to inform the user that the door statussensor has been in the door open state for a time period not less thanthe timer alarm period; whereby a remotely located user is able toeffect actuation of the remotely actuated door.
 7. The method of claim1, the method further comprising the step of: providing a user interfaceto the user to implement a message delivery prioritization scheme,wherein the user interface comprises a means for specifying and rankingmessage destinations by specifying at least one prioritizationparameter, and wherein the user identifies the order of the messagesdestinations to which the door monitoring system sends messages;selecting message destinations based upon the prioritization scheme,wherein the door monitoring system selectively sends messages indicatingthat the door status sensor is in the door open state to at least onedestination.
 8. The method of claim 7, the method further comprising thesteps of: sending a message indicating that the door status sensor hasbeen in the door open state for a period of time at least equal to thetimer alarm period to a first message destination; sending a messageindicating that the door status sensor has been in the door open statefor the timer alarm period to at least one alternative messagedestination.
 9. The method of claim 8, the method further comprising thestep of: selecting a message destination depending upon the time of day.10. The method of claim 9, the method further comprising the step of:selecting the message destination depending upon the day of the week.11. The method of claim 10, wherein the control unit further comprisesan activity log, the method further comprising the steps of: receiving acommand to provide an activity log of the control unit from a deviceconnected to the network; sending the activity log of the garage door tothe device connected to the network.
 12. The method of claim 11 whereinthe device is capable of connecting to a cellular telephone network. 13.The method of claim 10, the method further comprising the steps of:providing a picture of an area on the interior side of the garage doorand a picture of an area on the exterior side of the garage door via thenetwork connection to a device connected to the network, wherein thepictures allow the user to deduce the desirability of actuating thegarage door; receiving a message verifying that the device connected tothe network received the pictures of the interior side and exterior sideof the garage door.
 14. The method of claim 13, the method furthercomprising the step of: providing updates of the pictures of the areason the interior and exterior sides of the garage door, wherein the useris able to view the areas during the time preceding, during andsubsequent to executing a command to actuate the garage door.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, the method further comprising the step of: enablingthe control unit function to remotely actuate the garage door afterreceiving verification that the pictures of the areas on the interiorand exterior side of the garage door were successfully received.
 16. Themethod of claim 13, the method further comprising the steps of:embedding a pass code in at least one of the pictures provided to thedevice connected to the network; providing a voice message to prompt theuser to provide the pass code embedded in the picture; and enabling thecontrol unit function to remotely actuate the garage door afterreceiving the pass code.
 17. The method of claim 13, the method furthercomprising the steps of: generating a voice message to promptconfirmation of the request to actuate the garage door after the controlunit function to remotely actuate the garage door is enabled; receivingan indication confirming the command to actuate the garage door;actuating the garage door.
 18. The method of claim 13, the methodfurther comprising the steps of: enabling the control unit function toremotely actuate the garage door after receiving verification that theuser received the pictures of the interior side and exterior side of thegarage door; tracking the passage of time after enabling the controlunit function to remotely actuate the garage door; disabling the controlunit function to remotely actuate the garage door after the passage of atime out period of time.
 19. The method of claim 18, the method furthercomprising the steps of: providing the pictures of the areas on theinterior and exterior side of the garage door to a hand held networkedappliance; and receiving an indication from the hand held networkedappliance that the pictures of the area on the interior and exteriorside of the garage door were received.
 20. The method of claim 19wherein the hand held networked appliance is capable of connecting to acellular telephone network.